exhaust gaskets, can i re use?

[vaser21]

hey guys i am about to throw a new manifold on my 95 xp 720, ad i was wondering can i re use the the gaskets and just use like rtv or do i half to get new ones?

 

[donkey]

u may have better luck than i did,i tried it,,mine leaked,,so i bought new gaskets n redid it,,,kinda funny how i never have time to do it right but i have time to do it twice!lol,,better luck to ya

 

[vaser21]

yea ik what u meann,,, where did u get ur gaskets from bro?

 

[donkey]

i got them from sbt,,was in a hurry,,the seadoo dealer blew it n didnt order them,,sbt sent them next day!,ordered at 910 am on a thurs,got them 430 pm friday!lol cost me 60 in shipping ,,gaskets were only 14 buks,,so i got 2 sets,,made the vacation happen!

 

[Dr Honda]

I'll make it simple


NO! You can't reuse exhust gaskets.

Once they have been compressed, and heat cycled... they will no longer seal. Also... RTV will cook out of that section because of the heat. (Exhaust gases can reach 1200 F)


Now for the longer answer.

Even if you can get them to seal for a short time... they will give up, and your manifold bolts will loosen. Because of the heat, and expiation of the exhaust parts... you need a seal that is slightly flexible. Also... because the manifold bolts are only tightened to 18 Lb-ft of torque... you will never get old, hard gaskets to re-seal.

 

[vaser21]

thanks dr. honda going to sbt site now... so with the new gaskets, no sealant right? just the gasket? oh and should any loctice be used on the bolts?

 

[sledder12]

thanks dr. honda going to sbt site now... so with the new gaskets, no sealant right? just the gasket? oh and should any loctice be used on the bolts?

I just repaired my manifold by drilling out the broken bolts and re-tapping. I used new OEM gaskets and a thin layer of copper RTV, no leaks at all. I also used red loctite on all fittings, including the lower bolts holding the pipe to the manifold. Make sure to replace the rubber grommets on the pipe (I had 4) as this is usually what causes the top manifold bolts to strip or break off based on my research. So far so good. I also installed Nordlock washers on all the bolts and torqued them to 18ft lbs I believe.

 

[vaser21]

wonderfull advice, thank you

 

[Dr Honda]

thanks dr. honda going to sbt site now... so with the new gaskets, no sealant right? just the gasket? oh and should any loctice be used on the bolts?

Yep... I put them on dry. You can use a little spray copper on it... but I normally don't. (head gasket sealer) RTV will decay at much lower temps... so I don't recommend using it. Also... thread locker will break down at about 400 F by design. So... using it on exhaust bolts is useless.

Now... if there is any question about the bolts and lock washers... replace them, or you may have issues with the bolts loosening.

 

[vaser21]

will dooo!!.. thanks again!